Gemstones Mined in the USA

In the United States, precious stones have been extracted from the ground for ages. The earliest gemstone mine known to have been constructed was in 1847, and mining activities have continued to grow and expand throughout the years since then. 

The United States is home to thousands of active gemstone mines that collectively produce diverse gemstones. These mines may be found all around the country. Diamonds, emeralds, and rubies are just a few examples of the world’s most renowned and costly gemstones that may be found in their natural habitat in the United States. 

In 1906, diamonds were found for the first time in Arkansas; today, they are still mined in several states, including Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana. In 1838, emeralds were discovered in North Carolina for the first time; nowadays, they are mined in various states.

15 Locations where Gemstones Mined in the USA:

1. Graves Mountain is located in Lincolnton in the state of Georgia:

Graves Mountain in Lincolnton, Georgia, is home to a renowned gem locality. It is located on the opposite side of the United States. This mountain is not appropriate for young children and can only be visited by appointment; however, it is home to a vast range of gems, including twinned rutile crystals, blue quartz, muscovite, and a lot of other varieties as well.

2. Jade Cove Trail is located in Big Sur, California:

The Jade Cove Trail in Big Sur is an excellent option if you want to go on a treasure hunt while also taking in the area’s breathtaking views.

Hikers and people who walk their dogs come from miles around to visit this area because of the verdant cliffs that overlook the stunning coastline. If you look carefully, however, you might also find bits of jade, a gorgeous green stone that has been highly valued for generations.

When you go rock hunting in this protected area, follow all the safety precautions and regulations. You won’t get into trouble, though, so long as you don’t go digging for rocks or picking up anything above the mean tide line.

The best specimens are typically found deep within the water, making them difficult or impossible to get. However, your luck may improve if you search after a storm or wait until the tides are shallow. More giant waves frequently bring valuable findings closer to the coast.

3. Mine at Gem Mountain, which contains sapphires, is located in Philipsburg, Montana:

Get out into Big Sky Country and visit the Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine in Montana if you want to truly feel like you are a part of the natural world. The state of Montana is so rich in silver and gold miners that it is sometimes referred to as “The Treasure State.” 

You may now add sapphires to the list because this mine is one of the most significant and most extensive in the world, having generated over 180 million sapphires over the course of more than 120 years.

4. North California’s Emerald Hollow Mine is located in Hiddenite:

Visit the Emerald Hollow Mine in North California if you have an interest in emeralds, which are the birthstone for the month of May. It is the only emerald mine in the world where visitors can actively participate in mining by searching for their stones.

It is situated in Hiddenite, known for its abundance of precious stones. In addition to emeralds, you might also come across sapphire, tourmaline, amethyst, topaz, citrine, tourmaline, sapphire, aquamarine, or garnet if you’re incredibly fortunate. In addition, there is also a unique gemstone known as Hiddenite that can only be found in a select few locations worldwide.

You can purchase buckets with either natural or enriched contents to sort through. In addition, if you need assistance in your search, you can hire plastic trowels and screening devices. You can also dig in the mine or prospect in the creek if you want to.

Permission to participate in these three activities must be obtained separately, but specific packages are available for those who want to attempt all three.

5. Gem Mountain is located in Spruce Pin in North Carolina:

Next, go to the west until you reach Spruce Pine, North Carolina, home to the Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine, which a family owns. This location provides various mining opportunities, including flume mining, which involves utilizing water to sort through rough debris and discover gems; guided tours and digs in smaller private mines; and the possibility of making your rocks into jewelry.

6. Oceanview Mine is located in San Diego County, California:

You can go prospecting at the Oceanview Mine in San Diego and take a tour of fully working mineworkers if you visit the mine. Tourmaline, kunzite, and morganite are precious stones that can be discovered in this area.

Your pass will provide you with everything you require to complete your hunt successfully. This involves the use of screens, buckets, shovels, and water. You will have four hours to sift through a large pile of mine debris, and you are free to retain anything you uncover during this process.

If the time allotted is insufficient, you can take a bucket containing your rocks after they have been washed and inspected.

Every day of the dig begins at 11 o’clock sharp. You need to be there by 10:30 to give yourself enough time to deal with the papers and payment before you travel to the starting site.

7. Bonanza Opal Mine, Nevada:

The most prismatic of all gems, the opal, may be found in plenty at the Bonanza Opal Mine, which is situated in Nevada’s Virgin Valley. These pearlescent jewels can take on various aesthetically pleasing shapes and reflect the entire color spectrum. 

At Bonanza, you’ll feel like an intrepid adventurer as you search for fire opals amidst the breathtaking landscape of the desert. At this time, the mine is offering digging opportunities on the weekends up to Labor Day. The Royal Peacock Opal Mine and the Rainbow Ridge Opal Mine are examples of other opal mines in the Virgin Valley.

8. Located near Stuart, Virginia’s Fairy Stone State Park:

Why not try your luck at panning for fairy stones if you’re looking for a little bit different to do? Only a few locations on the planet contain these extraordinary stone crystals that have the shape of a cross.

They are said to have originated from the tears shed by fairies upon learning of the crucifixion, where the cross’s symbol comes from. It is said that both Woodrow Wilson and Theodore Roosevelt carried them in their pockets, which lends credence to the belief that they bring good fortune.

It is against the law to excavate the stones for commercial purposes, but you are free to keep whatever you uncover for your private use. In addition, if you don’t have any luck, the gift shop sells stones in their natural state and polished versions.

Even though Fairy Stone State Park is more of a state park than a mine, it is well-known for the one-of-a-kind “fairy stones” that visitors can discover throughout the site. In addition to the opportunity to go stone-hunting, Stuart, Virginia, is home to several other surrounding activities, including cabins and campgrounds, hiking trails, and more.

9. Herkimer Diamond Mines, New York:

Mining, buying, dining, and camping are just some of the activities that may be enjoyed at the Herkimer Diamond Mines. The crystals at this location are 500 million years old and buried in the surface ground mines. 

If you have the appropriate gear and know how to dig and mine in various ways, you should be able to unearth a respectable haul of precious stones. After it has been mined, your newly acquired treasure can be fashioned into jewelry right there and then. The Crystal Grove Diamond Mine is a different alternative in the neighborhood.

10. St. Johnsville, New York, is the location of the Crystal Grove Diamond Mine:

At the Crystal Grove Diamond Mine, located near St. Johnsville, you will have the opportunity to search for Herkimer diamonds. Be aware that these “diamonds” are made of quartz, so you may want to rethink your plans for using them to support early retirement. But despite that, their beauty cannot be denied.

You can stay at the campsite and mine for the entire day, from nine in the morning until dusk. In addition, if you require tools, you can rent them from us and bring them back by 4:45 pm. Various tools are available, including crack hammers, sift kits, rock chisels, and shovels.

Remember to bring along any necessary protective gear as well. You will require work gloves, safety glasses, and work boots. Also, don’t forget to bring a Ziploc bag to store your treasures in!

To mine, you’ll need separate permission regardless of whether you’re just stopping over for the day or staying the night. Sluicing is an alternative to digging for crystals that can be done if the prospect of digging seems too laborious.

11. Morefield Mine, Amelia, Virginia:

You may even travel to Virginia in the south to investigate the Morefield Mine, known as the ideal “starting mine” for anyone new to the field of gemology. 

You will learn how to locate and identify up to 80 mineral species in the rock found here. The fact that this is an underground mine adds to the excitement of the exploration experience. 

In addition to the mining activity, this mine also provides education on various minerals, making it an excellent choice for families traveling together.

The location of the Morefield Mine is approximately one hour outside of Richmond. You can find a variety of gemstones there, such as amazonite, amethyst, garnet, topaz, and beryl, if you go hunting for them there.

The mine is located 300 feet below the surface of the earth. The proprietors periodically extend it with the help of explosives, so there is always a new region to discover within it.

It won’t be possible for you to use hammers or pickaxes at this location, but if you keep an eye out, you should be able to gather stones from the ground. You will almost certainly be able to find some intriguing specimens you may take home with you.

The location is occasionally off-limits, so surveying and expansion can take place. Make sure the website is operational before you set off on your trip by checking it beforehand.

12. Crater of Diamonds State Park is located in the city of Murfreesboro in the state of Arkansas:

Crater of Diamonds State Park is located in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, and is the place to go if you want a genuine article. It is the only mine where visitors are permitted to prospect for diamonds and keep whatever they uncover.

You can dig for the triumph or pick up diamonds lying on the ground. If you think that would be an exaggeration, you might find it interesting to learn that the park’s guests have unearthed more than 30,000 diamonds to this day.

This contains a large stone weighing 16 carats that a single fortunate prospector discovered in 1975. And in 2015, a diamond weighing 8.52 carats was found. This particular stone is recognized as the most precious diamond that has ever been extracted from the ground in the United States. However, most diamonds are pretty imperfect and petite, yet it is still exciting to hunt for them!

You have the option to either buy or rent every piece of equipment that you might require. In addition, the 37.5-acre property is accessible at any time of the year.

13. Franklin, North Carolina, is the location of the Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire Mine:

You will have the opportunity to search for precious stones at the Cherokee Ruby and Sapphire Mine, located in Franklin, North Carolina.

The entrance fee includes one bucket of gem ore, and the mine is open daily. Please be aware that cash is the only payment method accepted at the location. The museum closes at 1 p.m., six days a week, and 2 o’clock on Sundays.

This particular one has not been salted. This indicates that discovering something will be more difficult, but once you do, the likelihood is that it will be of higher quality.

You might even get so fortunate as to find an extremely rare star ruby. These stones contain shards of rutile in the shape of needles, which come together to form a star with six points.

Where can I Purchase Gems that were Mined in the United States?

You may wonder, “There’s a lot to take in, but where can I buy gemstones in the United States?” The good news is that various online sites provide gemstones from the United States for sale directly to the general public. Furthermore, the prices are incredibly competitive because the business is still relatively tiny.

You can choose between purchasing high-quality loose stones sold in small velvet drawstring bags, which are suitable for jewelry or investment or buying stones of a lower rate reasonable for collection and general interest, which are ideal for children and enthusiasts. 

Both of these options are available to you. Many websites sell mounted stones, which may be made into fine jewelry pieces or a string of gemstone beads with a more ethnic appearance. Delivery may be made anywhere in the United States through courier or regular mail, and a handful of websites even provide worldwide delivery options.

Remember that if you purchase the item to make an investment or commission a beautiful piece of jewelry, you need to ensure that the business offers certification.

Bottom Line:

The United States of America participates significantly in the worldwide gemstone business. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) reports that in 2016, mines in the United States produced gemstones worth more than one billion dollars Diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds are the four types of gems that are mined the most often in the United States.